3 1/2 MONTHS LATER

Serena sat on the sofa knitting. She had been learning from a book ever since she went on maternity leave a month ago. She was knitting a scarf, toque, and mitten set for her son. Darien was working at the hospital that day so Serena had the apartment all to herself. Over the past 3 ½ months, Serena and Darien had been busy. Darien had painted the baby's room blue, and they had bought a crib, changing table, rocking chair, etc. for the room. They had even decided on a name for the baby. Darien had liked the name Damien and Serena decided that the middle name should be Kenji, after her father. When she and Darien had told her parents that they were having a boy, Kenji nearly went through the roof. He was so excited to be having a grandson. Ikuku was excited too but not as much as her husband. Throughout the afternoon, Serena felt Damien kicking her. She talked to him and sang to him just so he would know his mother's voice. Everything was ready for Damien, he just needed to arrive.
Around suppertime, Darien came home. He looked exhausted. He was also carrying take-out from Tokyo Grill. That was Serena's favorite restaurant.
"Darien, you look exhausted," Serena said when she saw her husband. "What happened?"
"Well, one of the patients brought into the ER today went crazy and it took me, three other doctors and two security officers to calm him down," Darien said. "He kept going crazy all day."
"That must've been tough," Serena said. "And thank you for bringing supper home."
"You're welcome," Darien said. "I didn't want you slaving over a hot stove with Damien due in a month."
"I could have handled it, but thank you anyway," Serena said. "I'll get the plates and stuff out. You go and get changed."
"Thanks, Serena," Darien said. "You're an angel." Serena took the take-out bags from Darien and took them into the kitchen. After setting the table, she put all the food out. Darien came into the kitchen about 10 minutes later.
"Oh, dear. Maybe you'd better take a hot bath a lie down after supper," Serena said.
"I think I will," Darien said. Once Darien finished eating, he walked into the bathroom and began running the warm water. Serena cleared the table and washed the dishes. When Darien was finished his bath, he came and lay down on the couch. Serena sat in the armchair.
"So, how's Damien today?" Darien asked.
"He's fine," Serena said. "He kicked an awful lot today."
"At least we know he's okay," Darien said. "Did you eat good today?"
"Yes, I did," Serena said. "For breakfast, I had eggs and toast. For lunch, I made myself a tossed green salad."
"That's good," Darien said. "I want you to be healthy for yourself and Damien."
"I'm fine, Darien," Serena said. "You don't have to worry about me so much."
"Oh, yes I do," Darien said. "You're my wife and the mother of my son. I worry about you more than anything else."
"Darien, you're sweet," Serena said and walked over to her husband. "I don't know what I'd ever do without you."
"You'll never have to find out," Darien said and kissed Serena.
"Do you want to watch TV?" Serena asked.
"Not really," Darien said. "I'd rather listen to some music."
"Sure," Serena said. She turned on the stereo and put in a CD of easy listening music. That kind always relaxed Darien after a hard day. After about an hour, Darien was asleep. Serena decided not to wake him when she went to bed later that night. In the morning, though, Darien was laying beside Serena in their bed. Serena got out of bed and put on her housecoat. It was unusually chilly in the apartment that morning. When Serena walked into the living room to turn on the TV, she saw a light snow falling. She immediately ran to wake up Darien.
"Darien! Darien! Wake up!" Serena cried as she shook her husband.
"What? What's wrong? Is the baby coming?" Darien asked in a panic.
"No, not that," Serena said. "Come with me." Darien followed Serena into the living where she stopped by the balcony doors.
"What is it?" Darien asked.
"It's snowing," Serena said. "The first snowfall of the year. I wanted you to see it."
"Serena, I could have seen it when I got up," Darien said. "I was scared to death that Damien was coming early."
"I'm sorry," Serena said. "I was just so excited. It's so beautiful."
"It's okay," Darien said. "And I'm sorry for being so harsh on you."
"I forgive you," Serena said. "As long as you'll forgive me for waking you up."
"I forgive you," Darien said. "And, now that I'm up, I might as well make breakfast."
"Darien, you don't have to do that," Serena said. "You go on back to bed and I'll fix breakfast."
"Well, I'm wide awake now," Darien said. "Besides, you should rest."
"Darien, I'm 8 months pregnant and I want to do as much as I can before Damien arrives," Serena said.
"Nonetheless, you should be resting," Darien said. "You'll want as much energy as you can get for when you go into labour."
"Okay, you win," Serena said. "I'm going to go take a shower."
"I'll have breakfast ready by the time you come out," Darien said.
"Thanks," Serena said. She kissed Darien on the cheek and went to the bathroom. Once out of the shower, Serena stood on the scale to see how much she weighed. She had to use a mirror to see the results because her belly was so big. Serena was pleased that she was at the normal weight for an 8- month pregnant woman. Serena put on her undergarments and her housecoat and walked to the kitchen. Sure enough, breakfast was on the table when she walked in. Darien had made her fried eggs with whole wheat toast. There was also a tall glass of fresh orange juice and another of milk beside Serena's plate.
"Darien, thank you," Serena said.
"You're welcome, Serena," Darien said. "Now eat. Damien's probably hungry." Serena ate everything and drank both the orange juice and the milk.
"Well, Damien ought to be full now," Serena said. "I'll do the dishes."
"Forget it," Darien said. "When I'm at home, I'll take care of the chores."
"Darien, you're so overprotective," Serena said.
"Does it bother you?" Darien asked.
"A little," Serena said. "I just wish that you would let me do a few simple things around the house. I'm not completely helpless you know."
"Oh, okay," Darien said. "You can do the dishes, but I'll do the laundry. I don't want you hurting yourself when you lift those heavy baskets."
"Deal," Serena said. "Now, shoo. I want to get these dishes done." Serena washed the few things that couldn't fit in the dishwasher and then loaded the ones that could fit. Serena then put the soap in and started it. Darien had the day off that day so he and Serena spent a quiet day at home. They watched talk shows, games shows, and even Serena's favorite soap opera. It was a good episode today because Serena's favorite character, Lucille, was giving birth. Serena paid very close attention because she knew that in a month, she'd be going through the same thing. The day went well. Serena's friends called to see if she was okay. Andrew called to see if Darien wanted to get together at his and Mina's place that night. Darien and Serena agreed and they spent a good, friendly night there. When they came home, they both collapsed onto their bed and fell asleep.